Lighthouse

The National Monuments Service's description

According to Zajac et al. (1995, 105), this lighthouse was formerly located near the seashore to the E side of The Cliff road on the S outskirts of Youghal town. It was described by Hayman (1894, 163) as '...circular, about 24 feet in height, and 10 feet in diameter. The only entrance was a narrow pointed doorway on the water-side, facing the east point of the harbour.' Beyond the entrance to the right was a flight of spiral stone steps which led to two upper large circular-headed windows, '…one of which opened on the middle of the bay, and the other faced Capel Island' (ibid.). According to Long (1993, 75), this 'Light Tower' was built in 1190 by Maurice Fitzgerald. It was maintained by the Franciscan nuns at the nearby St Anne's convent (CO067-027----) (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 325) but it was discontinued in 1542 when the community of nuns were dissolved (Long 1993, 75). It was reported to be in a ruinous state by the beginning of the 19th century (Hayman 1894, 163) and was dismantled in 1848 to allow for the erection of the present three-storey, granite lighthouse (Long 1993, 75). O'Sullivan (1945, 103) cites an eldery man who recollected 'the remains of the old lighthouse and the little convent between it and the path down to the Diving Rock'. (Zajac et al. 1995)

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009